William Benjamin Carter

Mr. Ben Carter, age 79, of Lamar, SC passed away at his home early Monday morning, February 23, 2026 after an extended illness. A graveside service celebrating his life will be held at Lamar Memorial Cemetery beginning at 11:00 am Thursday, February 26, 2026 with military honors. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 Wednesday evening at Belk Funeral Home, Lamar Chapel, and other times at the home.

Born in Florence, SC on November 2, 1946, he was the son of the late Willie James and Roberta Smoot Carter. Ben graduated from Lamar High School in 1964 and continued to earn degrees from Gordon Military College and East Tennessee State University. Mr. Carter served faithfully as a First Lieutenant in the United States Army, 101st Airborne Division in the Vietnam War. After his service, Ben returned to his hometown of Lamar where he continued and grew Farmer’s Supply Company and Golden Leaf Tobacco Warehouse, and started a family of his own. He remained a vital member of the Lamar community for his entire life, contributing to the agricultural community, many town projects, and community organizations. Later in life, Ben became an avid clock collector and was a member of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors, North and South Carolina chapters. He was also a member of Lamar Civitans and the American Legion Post 94.

His greatest joy was being PaPa Ben to his adoring grandchildren, for whom he peeled many apples, flipped many pancakes, and instigated much adventure and mischief. His precious time with them exemplified his commitment to his family, joy in time spent together, and the legacy of love he leaves behind.

He is survived by his wife, Shari King Carter, children: Will (Ashleigh) Carter of Florence, Betsy (Carter) Marchant of Midlothian, VA, Caroline (Marc) Jennings of Hartsville, a step-daughter, Tyler (Brandon) Beasley of Hartsville, nine grandchildren, his sister Anne Warr of Lamar, nieces and nephews, Jim (Wendy) Woods, Scarlett Thomas, Carter (Elizabeth) Jeffords, Jon (Tara) Jeffords, Chris (Danna) Collins of Timmonsville, Holly (Rob) Penny of Irmo, brother-in-law, Lamar (Cynthia) Collins of the Oates Community and a long list of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Mary Collins Carter and his sister Roberta Carter Jeffords.

Memorials may be made to the Lamar American Legion Post 94 (PO Box 291) or Lamar Civitans.